Pat Frank, born Harry Hart Frank (1908–1964), was an American writer, journalist, and government consultant best known for his post-apocalyptic novel "Alas, Babylon." His literary career began after years as a journalist and information specialist for newspapers, agencies, and government bureaus. Frank's firsthand experience with bureaucratic systems and Cold War tensions heavily influenced his fiction and nonfiction works, which often explored themes of nuclear threat and institutional dysfunction. Alongside "Alas, Babylon," his notable novels include "Mr. Adam" and "Forbidden Area."
Beyond his writing, Frank leveraged his expertise in government and military affairs to advise policymakers. He served on the Democratic National Committee in 1960 and later consulted for the National Aeronautics and Space Council, earning an American Heritage Foundation Award in 1961. His final role was as a consultant to the Department of Defense from 1963 to 1964. Frank's dual career as a writer and advisor reflected his commitment to addressing the political and existential challenges of his era through both literature and public service.